The A-League Men’s race to the finals is now over. So who’s left and who’s the most likely to claim the Grand Final?
After a long season of COVID-19 disruptions, games being postponed and teams playing multiple games a week, the A-League Men’s finals campaign is about to begin.
Let’s take a closer look at the top six teams on the ladder.
1. Melbourne City (49 points)
Overview
Melbourne City claimed back-to-back Premiers Plates after a 2-1 victory in their last regular season game against the Wellington Phoenix.
City finished one point ahead of Melbourne Victory on the ladder and finished with 14 wins, seven draws and five losses.
City are through to the semi-finals and will face off against the lowest ranked elimination-finals winner in week two.
Why they can win the grand-final
City have one of the competition’s best attacks with Golden Boot winner Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout, Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio.
The side will receive a huge boost with star midfielder Florin Berenguer expected back from injury for the finals.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
Defensively, City have looked vulnerable this season and goalkeeper Tom Glover has had an inconsistent season.
Fatigue could also be a factor after City played in the Asian Champions League towards the end of the A-League season.
Form guide
City finished the season with a comprehensive win against Wellington Phoenix and lost games against Perth Glory and rivals Melbourne Victory in the last few weeks.
Key player
Jamie Maclaren is a constant threat in attack and can create something out of nothing. The striker has been scoring goals for fun and has the ability to quickly turn the game in City’s favour.
Embed from Getty Images2. Melbourne Victory (48 points)
Overview
Melbourne Victory capped off an amazing season by finishing second on the ladder, a complete turnaround after coming last the previous campaign.
Victory finished with 13 wins, nine draws and four losses.
Victory are through to the semi-finals and will face off against the highest ranked elimination-finals winner in week two.
Why they can win the grand-final
Victory will be full of confidence after such a successful season.
Coach Tony Popovic has tasted success before and knows how to get the best out of his players in big games.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
Victory may have peaked too early and the side is relatively inexperienced when it comes to finals football.
Form guide
Melbourne Victory have been in good form and have recorded seven wins in their past nine games, including impressive victories against Sydney FC and Melbourne City.
Key player
Midfielder Jake Brimmer has had an outstanding season and is always looking to create chances for his strikers. Brimmer has scored five goals and registered seven assists this campaign.
3. Western United (45 points)
Overview
In their first season under John Aloisi, Western United played some good football and at one stage were on track to claim the Premiers Plate.
United finished with 13 wins, six draws and seven losses.
In the first elimination final, United will host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
Why they can win the grand-final
Goalkeeper Jamie Young has had an outstanding season and kept his side alive in numerous games. If he keeps performing well, United are every chance to win the title.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
Defensively, Western United give up a lot of chances to their opposition.
If it wasn’t for Jamie Young in goals, Western would have finished lower in the table and may have missed the finals altogether.
Form guide
Western United’s regular season ended in disappointment as they went on a three-game winless run leading into the finals.
Key player
Jamie Young is hugely important for his side. The gloveman has pulled off 96 saves this season and kept 10 clean sheets.
Embed from Getty Images4. Adelaide United (43 points)
Overview
Adelaide United are a dangerous side and on their day, they can beat any of the sides in the finals.
Adelaide ended the regular season with 12 wins, seven draws and seven losses.
In the second elimination final, Adelaide will host the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.
Why they can win the grand-final
Adelaide are full of confidence after winning five games in a row to end the regular season.
Winger Craig Goodwin has been outstanding for the Reds this campaign and is one of the favourites for the Johnny Warren Medal.
If Adelaide are to go well in the finals, expect Goodwin to play a big part.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
The Mariners will be a tough opposition for Adelaide in their elimination final.
Just like the Reds, the Mariners are on a five-game winning streak and playing with plenty of confidence.
Should Adelaide overcome the Mariners, their semi-final against either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory will be a difficult game.
Form guide
Adelaide are on a hot streak after winning five games in a row leading up to the finals.
The Reds 2-1 win over Western United in their last regular season game will provide the team with plenty of confidence as the finals series begins.
Key player
Winger Craig Goodwin has scored nine goals and registered seven assists from 24 games this season. If Adelaide are to have a good run in the finals, Goodwin will be instrumental to their success.
5. Central Coast Mariners (42 points)
Overview
Central Coast had an up-and-down season and surged into the finals on the back of five straight wins.
The Mariners finished the season with 12 wins, six draws and eight losses.
In the second elimination final, the Mariners will be on the road against Adelaide United.
Why they can win the grand-final
With Mark Birighitti in goals and Jason Cummings leading the way up front, the Mariners have outstanding players in key positions.
Both players are capable of producing big games and leading their side to victory.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
The Mariners are a young side and lack players with finals experience.
Being on the road in their elimination final against Adelaide will be tough and a semi-final against either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory could be too much to overcome for the youthful Mariners.
Form guide
The Mariners are flying at the moment and have won five games in a row. During the impressive run, they have scored 13 goals, conceded only two and kept four clean sheets.
Key player
In only 20 appearances this season, striker Jason Cummings has scored 10 goals and registered six assists. Cummings is one of the competitions most in-form players and will be crucial for the Mariners if they are to have any success in the finals.
6. Wellington Phoenix (39 points)
Overview
Wellington Phoenix played most of the season in Australia and should be proud of themselves for making it into the top six.
The Phoenix just scraped into the finals after an inconsistent season and finished with 12 wins, three draws and 11 losses.
In the first elimination final, the Phoenix will travel to AAMI Park and play Western United.
Why they can win the grand-final
With Oli Sail in good form in goals, the Phoenix are a chance to win any game they play.
Time and time again, Sail has pulled off brilliant saves to secure the three points for his side.
Why they can’t win the grand-final
Defensively, the Phoenix have been poor this season and have conceded 49 goals, the most of any side in the finals.
With such a poor defensive record, plus a hard run in the finals, the Phoenix are not given much of a chance to claim the title.
Form guide
The Phoenix have won two of their last five games, both victories coming against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Key player
The Phoenix are in the finals thanks to their goalkeeper Oli Sail who has been outstanding this season.
Despite some big losses, Sail has kept the Phoenix alive in numerous games with some important saves.